SWANSEA beat Barnsley 1-0 at Oakwell thanks to Andre Ayew’s curled effort in the first half of their Championship play-off clash.
- RESULT: Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
- Barnsley XI: Collins, Brittain, Sibbick, Helik, Andersen, Styles, Mowatt, Palmer, Dike, Frieser, Woodrow
- Swansea XI: Woodman, Naughton, Cabango, Guehi, Bidwell, Fulton, Grimes, Hourihane, Ayew, Lowe, Cullen
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THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
Swansea have the advantage from the first leg but Barnsley aren’t out of this yet.
Andre Ayew will take the headlines for his superb match-winning strike, but the Swans were indebted to several fine saves by Freddy Woodman.
See you at the Liberty for the second leg on Saturday!
SWANS REACTION
Swansea boss Steve Cooper said: “It was a good effort from the boys. We knew the game would be a certain type. We managed to show some bits of quality, the goal being the obvious one. I can’t wait to get back to our place on Saturday.
“It was fine margins really, but I was really pleased with the resilience of the lads and the effort they had.
“We’ve been here before and the final whistle in the next game is the most important one.
“Andre’s a brilliant lad and a really good player. He came up with a bit of magic but it’s only half-time.”
MARVELLOUS MARC
After his side’s victory, Swansea defender Marc Guehi told Sky Sports: “It’s a massive performance. We knew how tough it was going to be. I love defending but it starts from the front.
“I was a fantastic finish from Andre Ayew. He’s done that all season for us.”
FREDDY FOILS TYKES
Here’s that save from Freddy Woodman that kept his side in front. He’s now kept 22 clean sheets this season. Some going.
FT: Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
It’s advantage Swansea ahead of the return leg at the Liberty on Saturday. They have Andre Ayew to thank for a brilliant first-half strike, but Freddy Woodman was also outstanding in a frantic second period to keep Barnsley at bay. It’s still all to play for, as the saying goes, but Swansea have the edge.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
90+2. How has that stayed out? Morris’ flick from a corner comes back off the crossbar.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
90. There will be three added minutes. Can Barnsley snatch a draw?
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
88. Victor Adeboyejo comes on for Dike. It’s been a disappointing night for the American who was playing in front of the Barnsley fans for the first time.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
Ayew tries a repeat of his opener but this time Andersen makes the block. Grimes then has a go from range but Collins – eventually – claims the ball.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
78. Second change for Barnsley as Jordan Williams replaces Romal Palmer. Swansea look happy to see this one out.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
74. Woodrow is adamant he was fouled by Naughton just outside the box. Replays show the Swansea man got the ball.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
70. Mowatt almost gets in behind the Swansea defence but Woodman races off his line to clear the danger. At the other end, Lowe engineers a half-chance for himself but shoots high and wide.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
69. Substitution for Swansea. Wayne Routledge, now 36, replaces Liam Cullen as the Swans add a bit of experience to their XI.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
67. Hourihane’s free-kick from the left almost catches out Collins but the keeper manages to claw the ball away from under the crossbar. Pretty sure Hourihane didn’t mean that.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
64. Barnsley break from a Swansea corner. It’s three-v-two but Dike overcooks his cross and the danger passes. That was a real opportunity to do some damage.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
60. Mowatt and Fulton engage in a touch of pushing and shoving as Barnsley look to take a free-kick. The referee steps in to cool things down. Things have calmed down on the football front too after that crazy start to the second half.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
54. Guehi hauls back Dike on the halfway line but escapes a booking. Valerien Ismael is fuming.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
53. Woodrow’s free-kick bounces just in front of Woodman but he manages to hold onto the ball at the second attempt.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
52. Yellow card. Ayew goes into the book for fouling Morris just outside the box. Free-kick in a good position for the Tykes. This second half has started at a million miles an hour.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
50. This is better from Barnsley. Mowatt’s 25-yard strike is deflected wide by Bidwell. The resulting corner is met by Dike but he heads wide. Should have done better.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
48. What a save by Woodman. He fumbles Morris’ shot before leaping to his feet to deny Brittain from close range. Brilliant stop.
Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
47. As expected, Barnsley start the second half on the front foot. Brittain scampers to reach a pass but his cross from the byline goes into the side-netting.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
OFF WE GO AGAIN!46. There’s a change by Barnsley for the start of the second half. Carlton Morris is on for Dominik Frieser. Morris has scored five goals off the bench this season. He’d love to make that six but Barnsley will need to ask more questions of Steve Cooper’s side.
PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!
HT: Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
Andre Ayew’s wonderful strike for the visitors has lit up a somewhat scrappy affair. Barnsley need to improve after the break. Woodman hasn’t really been tested in the Swansea goal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
